Research & Innovation on board the MV Cape Don:

Autonomous Robotic Inspection and Asset Management Hub (ARIAM)

The Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Autonomous Robotic Inspection and Asset Management (ARIAM Hub) is a national research collaboration focused on developing advanced technologies for inspecting, maintaining and managing critical maritime and industrial infrastructure. Led by the University of Sydney, the Hub brings together leading research institutions, including the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Australian National University (ANU), alongside defence, maritime and technology industry partners.

The Sea Heritage Foundation’s historic vessel MV Cape Don plays a unique role in this initiative by providing a real-world maritime research testbed where emerging technologies can be developed and trialled in operational conditions. Researchers are using the vessel to explore innovations such as autonomous underwater inspection systems, advanced corrosion monitoring, digital twin modelling and predictive maintenance technologies. These developments have significant potential applications across the maritime sector, including naval vessels, offshore infrastructure and Antarctic logistics platforms. By combining a working heritage vessel with cutting-edge research, the project not only advances Australia’s sovereign maritime capability but also creates new training opportunities for engineers, maritime professionals and students working at the intersection of heritage preservation, advanced manufacturing and robotics.